Vision, Values and Ethos
Mission Statement
Jesus treated everyone equally, no matter what their background and encouraged us to do the same (for example in the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10). We believe that everyone is of equal worth to God and that our differences make us a richer community. Paul reminded us in Galatians 3:28 that ‘in Christ, there is neither Jew nor gentile, slave nor free, male nor female’.
Everyone at Saint George’s has an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential and everyone has an equal right to respect.
Vision Statement
At the heart of our vision is the belief in inclusive, educational excellence; the belief that we are called to serve all pupils, staff, parents and the local community by providing places where all develop and thrive intellectually, socially, culturally and spiritually in order to live life in all its fullness.
We are motivated by our vision to serve the local community in accordance with our founding charter to ‘improve the life chances of local children. We welcome those of all faiths and none. ‘All flourishing’ is enabled by an excellent education, a broad and balanced curriculum, with a rich variety of enrichment opportunities and experiences that extend beyond the classroom. We want our children to succeed, in the widest possible sense, using their God-given talents fully.
Christian Values
From our Vision come our 6 Christian values upon which all our work is based. Together these form the acronym, CHRIST. These values have rich biblical roots, examples of which are shown here however, we encourage staff and students to find and share their own examples.
Creativity
Creativity is important to Christians because we believe that everything was created by God. He invented creativity. It was His idea. Creativity is part of the very nature and character of God. The fifth word in the Bible is created—“In the beginning, God created …” (Genesis 1:1).
It follows that if human beings are created in God’s image, then they too can be creative. In school this is played out in the importance of art, design, music, drama, dance, poetry, fiction and film; it is also about discovery and innovation in science and technology, critical thinking in the humanities, entrepreneurship in business, inspiration, imagination and improvisation in all our learning (Genesis 1:1).
Honesty
Honesty is important to Christians because God is omniscient, and we cannot hide from Him. In school, it is important that we can trust one another, face up to our mistakes, and we tell the truth. “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.” (2 John 3).
Resilience
Resilience is important to Christians because it shows that we put our trust in Jesus to walk alongside us when we are in need. “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24). It is important in school and in our daily lives because to be resilient means that we learn from our experiences and our mistakes to become stronger.
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate example of resilience. It is the power of God through the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. It is also this same power that sustains and supports us in our daily lives and especially in difficult times, demonstrating the power of God working in us.
Inclusion
Our school motto ‘All Different, All Equal, All Flourishing’ reminds us that Jesus treated everyone equally and that we should do the same so that all in our community can flourish. We use the hashtag #WeAreAllOne to ensure that we focus on all that we share, rather than the things that divide us (John 3:16).
Perhaps this is the most recited verse in the Bible. Jesus said it as plainly and simply as He could. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up.”(Romans 15:1–2 NIV). Love your neighbour as yourself…”(Mark 12:31 NIV).
Stewardship
Stewardship is important because it recognises that we are responsible for looking after God’s creation. It is important for everyone to take good care of our planet through careful use and re-use of its resources in order to live healthy lives and to pass on the earth to future generations. As we are all part of God’s creation, we also have a duty to care for ourselves and for one another, making sure that we are all safe and flourishing in mind and body.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Thankfulness
Thankfulness is important to Christians because we are God’s children and everything that we have He has given us. We are thankful to God for the beauty of Creation, for our friends and families, for his forgiveness when we do things wrong, and for life itself. Being thankful means that we can continue to see God even when we are suffering or unhappy. It is our gift back to God. “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God” (Psalms 50:14).
British Values
Saint Georges's CofE School is committed to Fundamental British Values. The Trust actively promotes British Values in all of our academies. We aim to establish a strong community where all pupils are encouraged to demonstrate respect and tolerance through an inclusive nature regardless of faith, race and culture.
- Democracy
- Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those in our society of different faiths and beliefs
Equality Objectives
Our Trust’s overarching Equality Objectives help Saint George’s to stay an inclusive school where we focus on the well-being and progress of every child and where all members of our community are of equal worth. These are;
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To use performance to monitor student achievement and respond to variations between groups of learners, subjects, courses and key stages, trends over time and comparisons with other schools.
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To provide professional development which continues to support staff to promote equality and diversity routinely in their daily activity.
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To provide an environment that welcomes protects and respects diverse people.
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To ensure that all students are given the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the life of the school.
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Foster ownership amongst our students for the development of a set of positive behaviours which reflect the very best in all cultures, but reaffirm the understanding of and compliance with the rule of British law and British Values.
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To address cultural events through year worship activities to increase student awareness and understanding of issues in different communities